KRAKOW: At least six people were killed and 15 others injured after a gunman opened fire from a moving car near the Main Market Square in Krakow, southern Poland, on Saturday, police said. The suspected attacker was shot by police and taken into custody.
The shooting took place at around 3 pm local time in the historic city centre, a popular destination for tourists. The gunman reportedly fired randomly at people from a car before officers intercepted him. Police said the suspect was a 24-year-old Polish citizen who used an AR-15-style rifle and was wearing military-style clothing.
Four women and two men were among those killed. One of the victims was a British national. Two police officers were among those injured, with one reported to be seriously wounded. Foreign nationals from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and Britain were also among the injured.
In a further development, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said three bodies — two women and a man — were found at the suspect’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, around 160 km from Krakow. They are believed to be members of his family. Investigators are examining whether the suspect had access to additional weapons at the property.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said preliminary indications suggested the attacker may have been influenced by far-right ideology and held ultra-nationalist views. Authorities said the possible ideological motivation would be examined as part of the investigation. No definitive motive has been established.
Police said officers responded within minutes of receiving the first report and prevented the attacker from causing further casualties. Investigators cordoned off Main Market Square and nearby streets as they examined the scene and the suspect’s vehicle.
President Karol Nawrocki announced national mourning for November 8 and 9. Krakow’s mayor also declared a period of mourning in the city. Tusk said the investigation was continuing and urged political leaders not to exploit the tragedy.
The shooting is among the deadliest such incidents in Poland in decades, where mass shootings are rare.
With input from media reports.